In 2014, Newcastle's first major China Festival attracted over 20,000 participants, with Beaumont Street Hamilton transformed into our own Chinatown and the Newcastle China Business Forum concentrating on economic relations between Australia and China.

This year's event has grown into the 2015 Newcastle China Week, showcasing the growing cultural, social and economic relationship between China and the Hunter Region, the largest, most populous regional economy in Australia, through a program of educational, cultural and business events.

The Confucius Institute at The University of Newcastle is dedicated to promoting China literacy and expanding the important links between China and the Hunter region. It offers courses and programs, and creates opportunities for students of all ages and backgrounds to develop the language, cultural and professional skills necessary to better engage with China.

For any enquiries or more information about Newcastle’s China Festival, please contact the Confucius Institute at 4985 4360 or email ci@newcastle.edu.au

About the Festival

Newcastle’s biggest China Festival

Transforming Hamilton’s iconic Beaumont Street into a bustling Chinatown, the Confucius Institute at the University of Newcastle presents Newcastle’s biggest China Festival from 10am - 4pm on Sunday 4 October 2015.

The Festival, which acknowledges Newcastle’s growing connection with China, will bring together the Chinese and non-Chinese communities to celebrate both traditional and contemporary Chinese culture, food, art and travel.

The Newcastle’s China Festival in 2015 will feature 6 hours of fascinating performances, demonstrations and hands-on workshops showcasing and celebrating all things Chinese.

Highlights will include Chinese language, calligraphy, and Tai Chi workshops offered by the Chinese teachers from the Confucius Institute. Chinese Lion dancers, extreme martial arts, traditional Chinese dance and musical performances will entertain the crowd while kids can enjoy chopstick competitions, dumpling making and Beijing Opera face painting. The Giant Panda and the Fortune God will also be very popular with the kids – big and small.

An old Chinese farmer decides to journey from Beijing to his rural hometown to honour the promise he made to his late wife to bring back the bird that has been his only companion in the city. His takes along his spoilt grand-daughter Renxing, an 'only child' brought up in the lap of luxury. While Renxing is discovering her roots, her mother and father ponder the meaning of life they have led in the sold pursuit of success and money. This French-Chinese co-production is a beautiful road movie about bridging the generation gap.

Set in China during the warring 1920s, notorious bandit chief Zhang descends upon a remote provincial town posing as its new mayor, an identity that he had hijacked from Old Tang, himself a small-time imposter. Hell-bent on making a fast buck, Zhang soon meets his match in the tyrannical local gentry Huang as a deadly battle of wit and brutality ensues.

Presented by the City of Newcastle and the Confucius Institute and sponsored by NAB with support from the Hunter Business Chamber, the Newcastle China Business Forum 2015 is tailored towards China-active or early stage SMEs and mid-size companies. It will provide a focus for businesses wanting to develop and refine their China strategy and to work together towards branding Newcastle as a China focussed destination – working with the China market and welcoming Chinese to our city and region for business, investment, education and tourism.

Hear from a high profile lineup of speakers from China and Australia who will deliver insights and practical solutions on doing business in China. This will be a great opportunity to explore how you can engage with China and how Newcastle and the Hunter can continue to grow a network of China-related businesses.

Keynote Speakers

The Honourable Andrew Stoner

Former NSW Deputy Premier

The Honourable Andrew Stoner (B.Bus. MBA) was co-leader and Deputy Premier of the New South Wales Government between 2011 and 2014, and was Australia's first Minister for Trade and Investment, leading international engagement for Australia's largest and most prosperous State. His knowledge of the economic, social and regulatory environment, and his networks both in business and government are second to none.

David Thomas

CEO of Think Global

David is highly respected in Australia for his experience, credibility and passion for identifying, building and facilitating business and investment relationships between Australia and China. He has been speaking on global hotspots, offshore business opportunities and economic trends for over 20 years, and has addressed audiences of all sizes on investing and doing business with China.

Jeff Sharp

Director of China Digital

Jeff is a Director of China Digital, Australia’s leading travel digital marketing agency that helps businesses attract and service the Chinese Free and Independent travelers. He has over 30 years-experience in the Tourism industry and has worked in senior management roles for major tourism organisations, including Accor Asia Pacific, Australian Pacific Tours, AAT Kings Tours and Great Southern Railway.

Geoff Crowe

Chief Executive Officer, The Port of Newcastle

Geoff has extensive experience in the Hunter region's coal mining sector, having held leadership roles with Port Waratah Coal Services, which operates two coal terminals within the port, and a number of mining companies. Geoff has also served as a Director of the Hunter Valley Coal Chain Coordinator.

Edith Bowskill

International Trade Advisor, NSW Business Chamber

Edith has over 7 years of experience in International Trade. She has assisted numerous clients, from small family owned and operated entities to larger multi-nationals, with all aspects of their international journey. She has also played a key role in the organisation and delivery of both inbound and outbound trade delegations.

Program

Time

Event

7:30am

Arrival and networking

8:00am - 10:00am

Welcome Address: David Thomas, Think Global
Keynote Speaker: Andrew Stoner, Opportunities for doing business in China: cultural factors, the Free Trade Agreement and NSW Government support for businesses
Keynote Speaker: Geoff Crowe, How Newcastle benefits from Chinese business and investment
Case Study by Karl Putnis from Hunternet
Q & A - Panel